Handling the finances of a small charity can feel like walking a tightrope. You want to focus on your cause, but you also need to keep your accounts in perfect order. That’s where mastering charity account compliance comes in. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about building trust, showing transparency, and making sure your charity thrives financially. I’m here to walk you through the charity accounts review process with practical tips and clear explanations. Let’s make

Accounting often gets a bad rap for being dull or overly complex. But what if I told you it doesn’t have to be that way? Whether you’re managing the books for a small charity, supporting clients as a bookkeeper, or diving into QuickBooks, there are plenty of ways to make accounting enjoyable and even exciting. I’ve discovered some fantastic fun accounting methods that can transform your daily tasks into something you actually look forward to. Let’s explore how you can bring e

Managing the finances of a small charity can feel overwhelming at times. But with the right approach, reviewing your charity’s accounts becomes a straightforward and even rewarding task. I want to share some practical tips and insights to help you confidently navigate this important process. Whether you’re a bookkeeper, accountant, or QuickBooks user, understanding how to conduct a thorough charity accounts review will empower you to keep your organisation’s finances healthy

Managing the finances of a small charity can feel overwhelming at times. But with the right approach, reviewing your charity’s accounts becomes a straightforward and even rewarding task. I’ve found that a clear, step-by-step process helps bring confidence and clarity to the financial health of any organisation. Whether you’re a bookkeeper, accountant, or QuickBooks user, this guide will walk you through the essentials of conducting a thorough charity accounts review. Let’s di

Managing finances well is the backbone of any successful Community Interest Company (CIC). When you’re juggling limited resources and aiming to make a positive impact, effective budgeting becomes your best friend. I’ve seen how a clear, practical budget can transform the way a CIC operates, helping it thrive and grow sustainably. Let’s explore some warm, encouraging, and straightforward strategies to make budgeting a breeze for your CIC. Understanding CIC Budgeting Strategies

Managing finances well is crucial for any Community Interest Company (CIC). When you have a clear budget, you can make smart decisions, plan for the future, and ensure your community projects thrive. I want to share some practical CIC budgeting strategies that have helped many small charities and bookkeepers stay on track. Whether you’re new to budgeting or looking to sharpen your skills, this guide will walk you through the essentials with warmth and clarity. Why CIC Budget

You Don’t Need to Be a Bookkeeper to Use QuickBooks or Xero — But You Do Need to Understand What’s Happening Behind the Scenes I delivered a one-to-one QuickBooks training session today, and it highlighted something I see again and again with both QuickBooks and Xero users. Many small business owners and charity staff are confidently entering invoices and expenses, paying bills, and keeping things ticking along. They’ve often been shown how to use the software — which butto

Working in charity finance often feels like speaking a secret language that few understand. Whether you are a solo Bookkeeper, a Finance Manager, or a Volunteer Treasurer, you face the challenge of managing restricted funds, donor compliance, and year-end pressures—often without a safety net. When you encounter a technical problem or a strategic question, software manuals fall short, and non-finance colleagues may not have the answers you need. That is why our new service has

Feeling overwhelmed by the year-end rush? You don’t have to face it alone. At Genny Jones Training, we offer personalised one-on-one coaching designed to get your accounts ready for Independent Examination. Whether you need help tidying up your spreadsheets, reconciling Xero or QuickBooks, or making sure your Receipts and Payments accounts are solid, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Book a session today and take the stress out of year-end. Preparing for Independen

Managing the finances of a small charity can feel overwhelming. There are so many rules to follow, reports to prepare, and budgets to balance. But with the right charity accounting solutions, you can make this task much easier and more efficient. I want to share everything I’ve learned about how these solutions work, why they matter, and how they can help you keep your charity’s finances in great shape. What Are Charity Accounting Solutions? Charity accounting solutions are t

When I first heard about Genny Jones, I was curious about how one person could make such a significant difference in the world of accounting and QuickBooks training. Over time, I discovered that her work has been a beacon of support for small charities, bookkeepers, and accountants alike. Her approach is warm, practical, and empowering, which is exactly what many of us need when navigating the sometimes complex world of financial management. In this post, I want to share with

Did 31 January come and go in a blur of panic, missing receipts and late‑night guessing at numbers? If you’re reading this thinking, “That was me,” please know you are not alone. Every year thousands of self‑employed people and small business owners promise themselves, “Next year I’ll be more organised,” and then life happens. The work, the family, the unexpected dramas – and the bookkeeping slides to the bottom of the list until January. This blog is for you if: ·        You

Have you ever sat in a charity meeting where the numbers were being discussed, but the real tension was in the room rather than on the numbers? Over the years, working as an interim finance manager and accounting consultant to charities, I’ve learned that pressure in the sector rarely lives in just one place. It sits in deadlines, funding expectations, board responsibilities — and very often, in relationships. Recently, I’ve seen it play out in different ways: A staff member

Your bookkeeping system should make life easier Many charities and CICs sign up to Xero or QuickBooks because they’ve heard it will “save time” and “make reports easier”, but then end up using only the basics. Invoices get posted, bank feeds run in the background, but restricted funds, projects and real management reports are still done in spreadsheets or not at all. If your software feels clunky, confusing or still leaves you doing lots of manual work, chances are it just ha

Managing the finances of a limited company or community interest company (CIC) can feel like navigating a maze. Profit and Loss reports, balance sheets, and cash flow forecasts often come with complex terms that leave many business owners confused or overwhelmed. If you find yourself nodding along in meetings but secretly unsure about what the numbers really mean, you are not alone. Understanding your financial reports is key to making confident decisions and steering your bu

Do you sit in charity finance meetings looking at the Statement of Financial Activities, balance sheet and cash flow reports… and secretly feel completely lost? Maybe you’re a brilliant project lead, CEO or trustee, but when the numbers come up, you nod along and hope no one asks you a question. You are not the only one. Many charity people have never had formal finance training, yet are expected to read complex reports, make big decisions and sign off budgets. The problem i

Managing finances in a charity can feel like walking a tightrope. You want to make the most of every penny while ensuring your mission thrives. Over the years, I’ve worked closely with small charities, bookkeepers, and accountants, helping them master their budgets and feel confident about their financial decisions. Today, I’m excited to share some top budgeting advice for charities that can make a real difference in your day-to-day operations. Budgeting doesn’t have to be c

Managing finances for a Community Interest Company (CIC) can feel like walking a tightrope. You want to make the most of every pound while staying true to your social mission. I’ve been there, and I know how important it is to have a clear, practical budget that supports your goals without causing stress. In this post, I’ll share some warm, encouraging advice to help you create a budget that works for your CIC. Whether you’re a small charity, a bookkeeper, or an accountant, t

When I first started working with small charities and bookkeepers, I quickly realised how crucial it is to keep charity accounts in perfect order. It’s not just about ticking boxes or meeting legal requirements. Reviewing charity accounts is a powerful way to build trust, improve financial health, and ensure every penny is used wisely. If you’re managing accounts for a charity or supporting one with QuickBooks, this post is for you. Let’s explore why reviewing charity account

Over the years, I’ve had the honour of working with a wide range of charities as an interim Finance Manager . Each role has given me invaluable insight into how charities really function behind the scenes — not just on paper, but in day-to-day reality. One recurring theme stands out again and again: communication . When communication isn’t clear, small issues quietly grow into big problems. What I’ve Seen in Practice Here are some common challenges I’ve repeatedly encountered